Attorney General's News Release

January 3, 2006

State Supreme Court sets Feb. 1 execution date for Kansas City man who raped and murdered 15-year-old girl in 1989

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court today set a Feb. 1 execution date for Michael Taylor (DOB-1/30/67). Taylor was sentenced to die for the March 1989 rape and stabbing of 15-year-old Ann Harrison in Kansas City with co-defendant Roderick Nunley. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon represents the state in opposing Taylor’s appeals.

After using drugs, Taylor and Nunley stole a car and, while driving, spotted Harrison waiting for her school bus at the end of her driveway. Taylor stated that he wanted to steal her purse, and Nunley stopped the car. Taylor spoke to Harrison and then forced her into the car. Nunley drove to his mother’s house, where they forced Harrison out of the car and made her crawl into the basement.

The two men raped Harrison in the basement. After the assault, they forced her back into the trunk of the stolen car and tied her up. After Taylor stated that he was afraid the girl would identify him, the two men decided to kill the girl. Nunley retrieved two knives from the kitchen and both men stabbed Harrison repeatedly. The county medical examiner later testified the victim was stabbed 10 times and died approximately 30 minutes later. The men then drove the car to a nearby neighborhood and parked, leaving Harrison in the trunk.

Taylor pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, forcible rape, armed criminal action and kidnapping, receiving the death penalty on the murder conviction.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818